Minor in Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is a pioneering interdisciplinary field which studies the nature of intelligent systems, both biological and artificial. Drawing from the fields of computer science, linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology, with strong links to anthropology, education, physics, and engineering, this field of inquiry focuses on topics extending from accounts of human language and childhood mental development, to theories about how neurons in the brain process information; from attempts to model human thought in computer programs and to engineer robotic 'creatures' that live and learn, to studies of human vision and other forms of perception.

The minor in Cognitive Science at ISU is designed to enhance your program of study in Cognitive Science-related fields by allowing you to create the best minor for your individual needs. Study in Cognitive Science will strengthen your resume and help prepare you for graduate work in biology, computer science, philosophy, psychology, and other related disciplines. It is also good preparation for certain jobs in the industry, as Cognitive Science is at the forefront of much of the latest research and technology in artificial intelligence, computational applications, and knowledge representations.

—A minimum of 24 hours required for the minor, depending on the emphasis chosen and the level of preparation of student. Programs must be planned in consultation with an advisor. Students are required to seek an advisor through the Director of Cognitive Science Studies.
—Required courses: One course is required of all students, IDS 265: Introduction to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots. Other requirements will be met by developing a planned course of study approved by a Cognitive Science Studies advisor. In consultation with the advisor, the student will choose an emphasis that is outside the student’s major and will fulfill the requirements of that emphasis.

Course Groups

Group A (Quantitative Skills)

MAT 120 Finite Mathematics
MAT 145 Calculus I
MAT 146 Calculus II
MAT 175 Linear Algebra
MAT 250 Introduction to Probability & Statistics
MAT 260 Discrete Mathematics
PHI 112 Language, Logic & Mathematics OR PHI 210 Symbolic Logic I
PSY 138 Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics (recommended) or ECO 138 Economic Reasoning Using Statistics

Group B (Computer Science)

IT 168 Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer
IT 179 Introduction to Data Structures
IT 226 Advanced Practical Application Development
IT 261 Systems Development I
IT 279 Algorithms and Data Structures
IT 327 Concept of Programming Languages
IT 340 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
IT 367 Designing the User Interface
IT 388 Introduction to Parallel Processing

Group C (Linguistics)

ANT/ENG/LAN 143 Unity & Diversity in Language
ANT 277 Language & Culture
ANT/ENG 342 Sociolinguistics
COM 370 Psychology of Language
COM 372 Theory and Research in Intercultural Communication
CSD 175 Speech & Language Development
ENG 241 Growth & Structure of the English Language
ENG 243 Traditional & Non-Traditional Grammar
ENG 245 Semantics
ENG 310 History & Development of the English Language
ENG 341 Introduction to Descriptive Linguistics
ENG 344 Teaching English as a Second Language: Theoretical Foundations
FRE 209 French Phonetics
FRE 335 Advanced Comparative French/English Grammar & Style
FRE 340 Introduction to Applied French Linguistics
FRE 341 History of the French Language
GER 310 Advanced Study of the German Language
SPA 215 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
SPA 310 Spanish Syntax
SPA 311 Spanish Phonetics & Phonology
SPA 360 Studies in Spanish Linguistics
SOC/ANT 338 Social Interaction

Group D (Philosophy)

PHI 250 Philosophy of Science
PHI 251 Visions of the Self
PHI 253 Philosophy & the Behavioral Sciences
PHI 255 Modern Philosophy
*PHI 305 Topics in 20th Century Philosophy
*PHI 310 Topics in Philosophy of Science
PHI 315 Topics in Philosophy, Science and the Mind
*PHI 363 Topics in Metaphysics and Epistemology
Note: Starred courses (*) may be used only when the topic is approved by the student's Cog Sci advisor

Group E (Psychology)

PSY 231 Research Methods in Psychology
PSY 253 Cognition & Learning
PSY 263 Physiological Psychology
PSY 331.04 Laboratory in Research Methods for Psychology: Perceptual
PSY 331.07 Laboratory in Research Methods for Psychology: Cognitive Processes
PSY 360 Learning
PSY 361 Perception
PSY 367 Introduction to Behavioral Pharmacology
PSY 368 Human Memory
PSY 369 Psycholinguistics

Group F (Related Courses)

ANT 350 Principles Of Paleoanthropology
ANT 378 Human Variation and Adaptation
ANT 393 Primate Studies
BSC 286 Animal Behavior
BSC 297 Biological Evolution
BSC 343 Introduction to Neurobiology
CSD 210 Neurobasis Of Speech, Language and Hearing

Choosing an Emphasis

In order to take this minor, you will need to work closely with an advisor for Cognitive Science Studies to design a program which complements your major and special interests.

The object of this minor is to give you cross-disciplinary input into your studies. Therefore, the area of emphasis that you choose to concentrate on must be outside of your major.

For example, Information Technology majors may not choose the "computer science" emphasis; Psychology majors may not choose the "psychology" emphasis. The areas of emphasis now available are the following:

Computer Science Emphasis

IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
IT 168 Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer
IT 179 Intro to Data Structures
2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
1 course (3 hours) from Group B
2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups C, D, E, or F

Linguistics Emphasis

IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
PHI 112 Language, Logic and Math OR 210 Symbolic Logic
ENG 341 Intro to Descriptive Linquistics
2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
1 course (3 hours) from Group C
2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups B, D, E, or F

Philosophy Emphasis

IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
PHI 112 Language, Logic and Math OR 210 Symbolic Logic
PHI 251 Visions of the Self OR PHI 253 Philosophy and the Behavioral Sciences OR 315 Topics in Philosophy, Science and the Mind
2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
1 course (3 hours) from Group D
2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups B, C, E, or F

Psychology Emphasis

IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
PSY 138 (recommended) Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics or ECO 138 (acceptable) Economic Reasoning Using Statistics
PSY 231 Research Methods in Psychology
2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
1 course (3 hours) from Group E
2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups B, C, D, or F

Contact Information

Director of Cognitive Science:

Lana Kuhle
Philosophy Department
323H Stevenson Hall
Phone: (309) 438-7094
Email: cogsci@ilstu.edu

Cognitive Science Studies Advisors

Biological Sciences (BSC)
Psychology (PSY)
Byron A. Heidenreich
452 DeGarmo Hall
Phone: (309) 438-7106
Email: baheide@ilstu.edu

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)
Heidi Verticchio
217D Fairchild Hall
Phone: (309) 438-3266
Email: hrfritz@ilstu.edu

English (ENG)
K. Aaron Smith
423A Stevenson Hall
Phone: (309) 438-2992
Email: kasmit3@ilstu.edu

Information Technology (IT)
Mary Elaine Califf
106 Old Union Bldg.
Phone: (309) 438-5203
Email: mecalif@ilstu.edu

Languages, Literatures and Cultures (Linguistics) (LAN)
Benjamin Schmeiser
241 Stevenson Hall
Phone: (309) 438-7703
Email: schmeis@ilstu.edu

Mathematics (MAT)
Sunil Chebolu
303B Stevenson Hall
Phone: (309) 438-3893
Email: schebol@ilstu.edu

Philosophy (PHI)
Lana Kuhle
323H Stevenson Hall
Phone: (309) 438-7094
Email: cogsci@ilstu.edu

Sociology/Anthropology (ANT/SOC)
James M. Stanlaw
354 Schroeder Hall
Phone: (309) 438-7690
Email: stanlaw@ilstu.edu